Live blog: Crusaders v Hurricanes

Hello and welcome to tonight's live blog of the Super Rugby showdown between the Crusaders and the Hurricanes from AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 5:54:13 AM

All eyes will be on Crusaders captain Kieran Read tonight as he leads his side out in his 100th Super Rugby appearance in front of a hungry home crowd. After losing their opening two games of the season, the Crusaders have rebounded with two wins on the trot, but are still yet to hit top gear.

The Hurricanes are desperately searching for form too, but more importantly, a second win in 2014.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:02:52 AM

After losing to the Sharks, Stormers and Brumbies, the Canes thrashed the Cheetahs before losing a thriller to the Highlanders last weekend. That's like buying a mixed bag of lollies which is filled with black jellybeans, bananas and green leaves.

So, Crusaders are heavy favourites tonight ($1.25 at the TAB) but what do you predict? I'd love to hear from you. Click 'comment', share your views and join in the chat throughout the game.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:15:09 AM

hurricanes to win by 10

by taikiwi3/28/2014 6:17:32 AM

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made just one change to the team that beat the Melbourne Rebels two weeks ago.

With Tim Perry nursing a hamstring strain, loosehead prop Daniel Lienert-Brown has been called into the squad.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:17:42 AM

Hurricanes midfielder Tim Bateman will tonight return after being out injured for the past six weeks. Bateman slots into a backline that is largely unchanged from the Hurricanes encounter with the Highlanders last week, with fullback Andre Taylor also claiming a spot in the starting XV.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:19:12 AM

There's a lot of Kieran Read loving going on at the moment. SKY Sport just ran a segment with a whole bevvy of Super Rugby players congratulating him and Richie McCaw is now gushing over his team mate. It's enough to make you sick...

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:23:37 AM

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:27:04 AM

Super Rugby normality will resume for the Crusaders tonight, beginning with a complete flogging of the canes....

by Chris3/28/2014 6:27:13 AM

Crusaders should have the "Legs" tonight..... looking forward to a good game (hopefully) BTW trust you had a good week Steven

by Richard3/28/2014 6:29:59 AM

Sure did Richard, nice to have you back on board. I'll be here tomorrow night too for the Warriors / Blues v Highlanders double-blog super-combo.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:31:15 AM

Right, just minutes away from kick off now on a slightly cloudy night in Christchurch. There is a strong breeze running right to left and the crowd has filled up nicely.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:32:56 AM

Blues... Blies ... Blues and I don't even live in Aucks

by Richard3/28/2014 6:32:57 AM

Conrad Smith now leads out the Hurricanes, crowd actually give him a pretty decent reception.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:33:25 AM

Now it's Read's turn and they go nuts. That's a spine tingling welcome, they bloody love him here.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:34:46 AM

Hurricanes kick off and Beauden Barrett sends a deep kick down to Colin Slade.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:35:53 AM

He kicks back to Andre Taylor and the Hurricanes are on attack.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:36:06 AM

Alpati Leiua had great position down the left hand side, went to pass it and just dropped it. Bizarre handling error and good opportunity wasted.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:36:55 AM

There is no dew about tonight but there has already been two handling errors. Crusaders put one down now and Hurricanes have a scrum on halfway.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:37:29 AM

Hurricanes swing it left to Savea but he is bundled into touch. But, the ref was playing advantage. Barrett kicks for the corner and the Hurricanes will have another good attacking chance.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:38:20 AM

Hurricanes just 5m out now and making a very positive start.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:39:36 AM

Can they finish it off? Crusaders defending their line well.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:39:54 AM

Still perched on the line just 2m out. Advantage being played.

by Steven Holloway3/28/2014 6:40:14 AM

Ben Franks eventually lost the ball and the ref pulls it back for the advantage.